The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Pitchfork Papers 569 implied HN points 22 Jan 24
  1. The author experienced a significant change in their thinking and priorities, leading to a new direction in their writing.
  2. Taking a break from writing made it challenging to resume, but the author is working on getting back into the flow.
  3. The new year marks a good time for the author to reflect on their preoccupations and goals for the upcoming year.
Wrong Side of History 384 implied HN points 16 Aug 25
  1. Traveling creates lasting memories, even if the experiences are sometimes uncomfortable. It's about exploring new places and feeling the joy of adventure.
  2. Despite the rise of travel critics, more people are traveling now than ever before, drawn by the desire for new experiences. There's a thrill in discovering different cultures and places.
  3. Travel can also reflect social status, as many share their adventures online to impress others. But often, the deeper value of travel is the personal growth and satisfaction it offers.
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Sasha's 'Newsletter' 3996 implied HN points 19 Jan 24
  1. Facing and accepting the breakdown of expectations can lead to a new way of being, a state of 'Playing in The Ruins'.
  2. Experiencing challenges and destruction can shatter illusions and preconceptions about the future, leading to a more authentic understanding of oneself and life.
  3. Encountering wreckage and failures is a common part of life's journey, and happiness often lies beyond achieving childhood dreams or societal expectations.
Culture Study 1577 implied HN points 06 Dec 24
  1. People often reflect on the moment they first felt truly themselves. It's a big question about self-identity.
  2. This journey to feeling like yourself can involve being comfortable with who you are, your looks, and your goals.
  3. Some may have taken active steps to become their true selves, while for others it might have been a natural progression.
Mind Mud 825 implied HN points 15 Nov 23
  1. Standing on your own two feet can be more terrifying than expected, but taking responsibility breeds self-respect.
  2. Find answers about life and aspirations in religion like many others do.
  3. Value intimacy over attention, be yourself, and connect with those who share your interests.
Are You Okay? 479 implied HN points 09 Feb 24
  1. Intermittent fasting may work for some to aid in weight loss or improved metabolism, but it can be challenging for many due to feelings of irritability and restrictive eating behaviors.
  2. Data on APOE4 gene testing for Alzheimer's is mixed; the decision to find out your APOE status should be thoughtful due to potential health anxiety, but lifestyle interventions may be suggested based on the results.
  3. Extreme diets like intermittent fasting may not be the most effective in the long run, and sustainable lifestyle changes are crucial for lasting health outcomes.
The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday 427 implied HN points 01 Aug 25
  1. Modern dating is challenging for many people today. Many singles experience frustration and disappointment due to common issues like bad profiles and toxic behavior.
  2. Two specific books from 2005 claim to offer solutions for these dating problems. One book focuses on helping women, while the other addresses men's dating struggles.
  3. Despite the complexity of dating apps, these books suggest simple ideas that can improve dating experiences. You don't even have to read them fully to benefit from the advice they contain.
Brent and Michael are Going Places 982 implied HN points 24 Feb 23
  1. Travel can be transformative, but some experiences, like being an exchange student, can truly change your life trajectory.
  2. Parents may want the best for you, but their idea of 'best' may not align with your true desires and potential.
  3. Sometimes, meeting people who see you for who you truly are can give you the courage to pursue your dreams and make significant life changes.
Seven Senses 179 implied HN points 20 May 24
  1. Life is full of surprises, and plans often change unexpectedly. It's important to be flexible and adapt when things don't go as you hoped.
  2. Sometimes, when you let go of strict plans, you can discover new and delightful experiences. Embracing the unexpected can lead to happy surprises.
  3. Remember that not everything beautiful in life is planned. Many wonderful moments happen when you least expect them.
Both Are True 105 implied HN points 30 Nov 25
  1. Fearsharing Day is a small holiday on the Sunday after Thanksgiving meant for naming and sharing the things that scare you. It turns year-end anxiety into a communal ritual.
  2. A lot of the fears are about creative insecurity and self-doubt — worrying that work won’t be good enough, that the best ideas are behind you, or that you’re not living true to your values. These also include fears of letting people down and being trapped in a persona.
  3. The piece invites people to publicly share their fears as a healing practice and a collective experiment, with a playful goal (if many join, a video will be recorded reading them). It treats openness and participation as part of the ritual’s meaning.
Changing The Channel 936 implied HN points 12 Sep 23
  1. Don't be afraid to change the channel in your life, even if it means leaving behind comfort or stability.
  2. It's important to align with your authentic self and values to find fulfillment and avoid being stuck.
  3. Embrace change and take steps towards what you truly love and find purpose in, even if it's not the easier path.
Disaffected Newsletter 1678 implied HN points 11 May 23
  1. Talking about bad experiences is easier than sharing happy memories. It's hard to explain feelings when love seems inconsistent.
  2. As time passes, there’s a heavy realization about lost opportunities in life, like not having a family of their own.
  3. Love can be difficult to express when it feels like there's no right place for it to go, leading to feelings of sadness and frustration.
City Quitters 519 implied HN points 19 Jan 24
  1. Our culture often pushes us to constantly achieve and compete, but this can lead to burnout and unhappiness. It's okay to not always strive to be the best.
  2. Instead of focusing on individual success and status, we should value relationships and collaboration. A shift towards caring for each other can be more fulfilling.
  3. Giving up the pressure of achievement can be freeing. Embracing who we are, with all our flaws and feelings, can lead to a more authentic and enjoyable life.
The Commonplace 622 implied HN points 26 May 25
  1. Writing about failure can be tough and might take away the joy of writing if not approached with the right mindset. It's important to not let the pressure to be clever ruin your passion.
  2. Failure is something everyone experiences, and it's okay to acknowledge it. It can teach us important lessons, especially when we learn to laugh at ourselves and the situation.
  3. Humility comes from recognizing our failures, but it should be approached carefully. It's not just about feeling small, but understanding our place in relation to others and the world.
Polymathic Being 58 implied HN points 04 Jan 26
  1. You are often your own worst enemy — you actively hold yourself back, so personal responsibility and agency are the first steps to change.
  2. Action beats perfection: jump into the unknown with intention and guardrails, and favor slow, steady progress (slowmentum) over staying stuck.
  3. Treat failure as information: name and contextualize your fears, take baby steps, invert tired advice, and keep learning, unlearning, and relearning to get stronger.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club 779 implied HN points 10 Nov 23
  1. Building in public can really open up opportunities, like attracting people you admire. It's about sharing your journey and showing your work to the world.
  2. Luck and unexpected moments can play a big role in success. You never know when a chance encounter might lead to something great.
  3. Engaging content and a positive attitude can inspire others, just like Ali Abdaal does with his blend of education and entertainment.
Austin Kleon 1818 implied HN points 14 Mar 23
  1. Creativity thrives on routine; small consistent actions can lead to big results over time.
  2. Feeling overwhelmed can make you consider giving up, but finding a way to keep going can lead to surprising solutions.
  3. Sharing experiences and practices with others can reinforce the value of persistence in creative work.
The Common Reader 3543 implied HN points 22 Jan 24
  1. Late bloomers often work towards their goals without a clear endpoint in mind, allowing for meandering career paths that involve learning and skill development.
  2. Late bloomers make significant life changes influenced by networks, circumstances, and mid-life crises, which help them transition and achieve success.
  3. To become a late bloomer, preparation is key; taking small steps towards goals each day can lead to significant achievements over time.
bookbear express 1574 implied HN points 08 Nov 24
  1. It's normal to feel sadness when friendships end or drift apart. We often care deeply about our friends' lives, which makes the loss feel even more intense.
  2. Acceptance is key when dealing with the lasting impact of love for others. Even if we move on, the love we had for someone remains a part of us.
  3. Vulnerability can actually make us stronger. By allowing ourselves to feel deeply and openly, we can create more meaningful connections with others.
Deep Fix 550 implied HN points 06 Jan 24
  1. In reflecting on their writing, the author discovered a blend of relative and absolute truths that coexist.
  2. The author shifted focus from seeking knowledge to embracing conscious experience through phenomenology.
  3. The author emphasized the importance of moving beyond psychedelics after receiving their transformational message, and now focuses on helping others understand it.
bad cattitude 108 implied HN points 23 Nov 25
  1. Growing old can be a strange experience. It's important to embrace the changes that come with it.
  2. Internalizing life lessons helps us to navigate aging with more grace and understanding.
  3. Finding joy in the process of getting older can lead to a fulfilling life.
Austin Kleon 2058 implied HN points 31 Jan 23
  1. February is the shortest month, making it a good time to start new habits or challenges. You could try reading more, journaling, or even going for daily walks.
  2. Many cultures have special days in February to look forward to, like Imbolc and Candlemas, which can help bring a bit of hope during the winter months.
  3. It's okay to take it easy in February. It's a time to go with the flow rather than force productivity, maybe even pampering yourself a bit with activities that bring joy.
Disaffected Newsletter 959 implied HN points 12 Sep 23
  1. It's hard to please everyone, especially when it comes to people's opinions about men. You can't change people's views, no matter how hard you try.
  2. Chasing the idea of being seen as a 'good man' can lead to frustration. It's like trying to roll a boulder uphill with no end in sight.
  3. Instead of trying to meet unrealistic expectations, focus on being true to yourself and your values. That's more important than seeking approval from others.
Maybe Baby 589 implied HN points 30 May 25
  1. The importance of sticking with things even when they seem slow or dull can lead to valuable insights. Don't rush through; take your time to absorb it all.
  2. Getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When sleep is lacking, life can feel tougher and more challenging.
  3. Reading essays and deep articles can help us connect with our emotions and experiences. They often reveal deeper truths about being human.
Play Permissionless 239 implied HN points 16 Apr 24
  1. Progress is not automatic, you can't expect different outcomes by doing the same thing over and over.
  2. Sticking to what you know can lead to stagnation; sometimes a radical change in approach is needed to see significant growth.
  3. To achieve a 10x improvement, you often have to stop doing most of the things you're currently doing and embrace new strategies.
Changing The Channel 857 implied HN points 12 May 23
  1. Fran Lebowitz doesn't forgive and is a strong grudge holder, admitting it's not a pleasant trait but a truthful one.
  2. Fran Lebowitz contrasts forgiveness in Christianity with her stance of holding onto grudges, highlighting her belief that not everyone seeks forgiveness.
  3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus's podcast features Fran Lebowitz discussing her affinity for smoking cigarettes and holding onto revenge as important needs.
Endless Explorations 178 implied HN points 03 Jun 24
  1. Graduation can feel overrated; the author doesn't feel a big change after finishing school. They are grateful for the experiences and people met during college.
  2. Setting goals in smaller time frames helps make them feel more achievable. Looking at life in seasons can create a better structure for personal projects and learning.
  3. The author is exploring their creative interests through music and film. They recently created a new short film that combines visuals with sound to enhance the viewer's experience.
David’s Substack 19 implied HN points 20 Sep 24
  1. You don't need to fully understand the brain anymore to create advanced AI. Recent advancements in machine learning have made it possible to develop useful AI without deep knowledge of neuroscience.
  2. Just knowing things isn't enough; building and creating is important too. The academic world focuses too much on understanding without encouraging actual creation, which feels unfulfilling for some people.
  3. Academic culture often discourages ambition, leading to a focus on small, safe projects rather than bold, innovative research. This can make talented individuals feel stuck and unmotivated.
Seven Senses 579 implied HN points 16 Dec 23
  1. Ram Dass was a major spiritual teacher who introduced many people to Eastern philosophies and meditation. His journey started in Harvard and took him to India, where he met his guru.
  2. A personal encounter with Ram Dass felt like meeting an old friend. It showed that connection and love can have a strong impact, even in brief moments.
  3. His legacy continues through his teachings, reminding us that sometimes the way we make people feel is more important than what we say or do.
Passing Time 435 implied HN points 08 Jul 25
  1. Haimish experiences are about warmth and connection, even if they seem less glamorous, like choosing a cozy dive bar over a fancy cocktail lounge.
  2. Material wealth often leads to greater expectations, which can prevent us from feeling truly happy, so it's important to enjoy simple things in life.
  3. Being together in shared, less comfortable spaces can create stronger bonds and happier memories, so it's worth considering the value of those experiences over luxury.
The Commonplace 1245 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. The self-improvement industry often takes advantage of people's desires, making them feel like they need to buy tips or products to be better. It's important to recognize that wanting to improve ourselves is normal, but the way these products sell improvement can be misleading.
  2. Many people know what they need to do to improve their lives but don't actually take action. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or the right advice, it's better to focus on accepting yourself and taking small steps towards what you want.
  3. The self-improvement culture can become a trap, making people feel guilty for not achieving unrealistic goals. It’s okay to want to escape from pressure, and sometimes, it's smarter to step back from all the noise and figure out what truly makes you happy.